"Maldives President Seeks Indian Military Withdrawal, Negotiations Underway for Chopper Solution"

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu has requested India to withdraw its military personnel from the country, but acknowledged the importance of Indian military choppers in facilitating emergency medical evacuations. Muizzu called for a "workable solution" regarding the continued operation of the choppers. He also emphasized the need to accelerate India-assisted projects. The expulsion of Indian personnel would raise uncertainty about the fate of the choppers and a Dornier aircraft provided by India. Muizzu, who has been seen as a pro-China leader, has denied plans to replace Indian troops with Chinese troops and expressed his strong mandate to request India's troop removal.